New training suite opens at QMC thanks to fundraising efforts of mum in memory of her daughter

The new simulation suite will provide vital learning and teaching opportunities for all critical care staff

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A new training room at Queen's Medical Centre has been opened in memory of a Nottingham woman who died in 2013.

The training room, known as a simulation suite, is in the critical care unit where 23-year-old Amy Duffield died from acute viral myocarditis in 2013 - a disease which results in heart failure.

Her tragic death inspired a four year fundraising campaign by her friends and family who raised a total of £120,000 towards the new facilities.

Amy Duffield

Amy’s mother, Sharon Duffield, from Mapperley, opened the new room at QMC.

She said: “I’m so pleased and proud. I’m proud of Amy more than I’m proud of myself. She was such a fantastic character and now her legacy can live on.

The new training room opened in memory of Amy Duffield

“Initially we set a target of £63,000 to fund a new Spark electrocardiograph machine for the unit but we ended up raising almost double this, with the help of Amy’s friends a total of £120,000 was raised.”

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Sharon joined staff from the unit to see the new training suite for the first time and to thank them for the care they gave to her daughter, Amy.

The new simulation suite will provide vital learning and teaching opportunities for all critical care staff at both QMC and City Hospitals.

Dr Dan Harvey, the anaesthetic consultant who cared for Amy when she was admitted to hospital, said: “The creation of the simulation suite is a very fitting memorial and in keeping with the scale of the effort of money raised in memory of Amy, it will provide training for the whole team.

“It is situated close to the clinical area allowing us to provide essential learning and development for staff and improve the care for patients.”

He added: “We are eternally grateful for everything Amy’s friends and family have done in fundraising for the suite which will support the critical care team and future teams.

“Their effort speaks volumes about the care they received and we are so grateful for all their support.”

Mum Sharon joined staff from the unit to see the new training suite for the first time and to thank them for the care they gave Amy

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Amy’s friends and family helped raise money for the simulation suite through a series of sponsored events including; three New Year’s Day walks, a Kilimanjaro hike, local and international marathons.

Sharon has also hosted two charity balls, with the proceeds donated to the critical care unit, the moto neurone disease charity and to pay for horse riding for disadvantage children.

She added: “Amy was an absolutely fantastic girl, she was my best friend – we were like an old married couple. The staff did over and above to try and save her and the new simulation suite will enhance the care provided by the team.”

Critical care unit consultant, Steve Gill, has carried out simulation teaching and training for the last three years at NUH, he said: “In critical care we find ourselves having to manage life threatening illnesses quickly and effectively, for staff there isn’t an easy way of practising these skills on patients and the simulation suite will help us to recreate these scenarios in a safe environment.”

The new Simulation Suite cost £50,000, with the rest of the funds going towards a new ultra sound machine, as well as continuing training for staff and supplies for the suite.